By Adama Makasuba
Yahya Jammeh, the exiled former President of The Gambia, has expelled Bakary K. Badjie, the National Assembly member for Foni Bintang, from the APRC party, deeming the lawmaker “dishonorable.”
Badjie’s expulsion follows his announcement last week of his intention to run for president of The Gambia. This decision has drawn criticism from Jammeh’s loyalists, including fellow Foni lawmaker Alamay Gibba, who dismissed Badjie’s presidential ambitions, stating that the party’s executive had not been consulted about his plans.
In an audio message from his base in Equatorial Guinea, Jammeh confirmed the expulsion and rejected Badjie’s presidential aspirations, asserting that neither he nor the APRC executive were involved in Badjie’s decision. “I’ve spoken to him only once during the formation of the executive when each member was assigned a role. His role was to promote the revival of agriculture, a duty he did not fulfill. That was the last time we communicated,” he explained.
Jammeh emphasized, “I want to clarify that none of the National Assembly members were informed of Badjie’s decision. I am confident they do not support it. Now that he has declared his intention, I must clarify that he will not use the APRC. Anyone interested in running for president can do so, but they should establish their party. Effective February 24, Bakary K. Badjie is hereby expelled from the APRC. He has been expelled from the party, and there will be no negotiations.”
